Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal has booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters courtesy of a straight-sets victory over birthday boy Alexander Zverev.
Rafa saw off the 2o-year-old 6-1, 6-1 in just 68 minutes to book his place in another ATP World Tour Masters 1000 quarter-final.
Rafa will face either Jan-Lennard Struff or Diego Schwartzman for a place in the semi-finals.
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day 5 of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters Series at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 20, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 19, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
A general view during the third round match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Alexander Zverev of Germany on day 5 of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters Series at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 20, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 19, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day 5 of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters Series at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 20, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 19, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day 5 of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters Series at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 20, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 19, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Alexander Zverev of Germany in his third round match on day five of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 20, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 19, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Alexander Zverev of Germany in his third round match on day five of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 20, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 19, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal (R) celebrates after victory on German Alexander Zverev after their match at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series tennis tournament on April 20, 2017 in Monaco. / AFP PHOTO / Yann COATSALIOU (April 19, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after victory on German Alexander Zverev after their match at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series tennis tournament on April 20, 2017 in Monaco. / AFP PHOTO / Yann COATSALIOU (April 19, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after victory on German Alexander Zverev after their match at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series tennis tournament on April 20, 2017 in Monaco. / AFP PHOTO / Yann COATSALIOU (April 19, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Oh maria I’m so sorry. All I can say is be brave as I know Holly Berry has had a good life since you took her in and she also is being brave. I’m sure they will get to the bottom of it!! You’re right – the tennis being back on is a good distraction. Thinking of you all
Thanks Susie , had her since she was 6 wks old but trying to be positive
FIRE LIT…..!!!!!!!!!!!
1)That’s it, RAFA went after his match with Kyle and practiced, he was upset that he wasn’t aggressive enough.
2) He won and he had to answer a lot of questions about Kyle, he said I am here to talk about ME, not the opponent.( He did compliment Kyle).
Rafa has always had the goods and he has to believe and demand the respect he deserves. I think Carlos is pushing Rafa beyond his comfort zone.
The match today showed that determination to be MORE aggressive is what he needed. Beat down today, no excuses or nothing about the opponent, just RAFA doing what he does best.
I was nervous today before the match and then I said to myself,…. IF I want Rafa to be brave/aggressive, I have to be brave too and watch it no matter the outcome. I was happy along with ALL his fans.
Go boy.
RAFA fan forever
it was a good win today for rafa i did not saw the entire match but for what i could see rafa was putting more depth in his shots. Now against shwarzmann
I am glad that djokovic is still in the tournament. Rafa needs a win against djokovic to get the feeling back. If they face eachother i am hoping that he will not play predictable against the serb. He should forget all these losses and get a page from federer playbook: PLAY THE BALL NOT YOUR OPPONENT
i consider myself a rafa fan since 2007 a passionate one. But unless some people on this forum i am not going to sugarcoate his preformances. His preformance against edmund was a disgrace. Now its better
A terrific fight by Carreno Busta, but sadly just not enough. Djok is still on the loose! Rafa must have been praying for a victory by his countryman! I think this win can only boost Djok’s confidence but I still back Rafa for the trophy.
I said it before: Rafa needs to actually beat the Djoker to find back confidence. So it’s good he is still in the draw. It has been 3 friggin’ years and a ton straight losses.
Bollocks – didn’t switch off in time and saw it. Eugh
Rather you than me Susie Lol, speak tomorrow give Raffy a hug😻
Will do. How is Holly Berry Maria? You said she wasn’t too well…
Back legs keep collapsing, breathing problems £1000 bill and nothing fixed . She is 12 but trying not to think about the outcome 😶
Watching Rafa is a great distraction 😊
Damn it . The little Spaniard put up such a good fight but it wasn’t to be. Turning off now before Mr Bean does his end of match stomach churning 😨 ritual. Good luck tomorrow Rafa against Diego Schwartzman
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Omg who does he think he is , whistling at people like their his pet dog grrrr
That was rude Maria – his light hearted celebrations are all just a front.
God he so impatient and rude , where’s that bloody pigeon when you need him .id love him to deposit a little present on Novak
Keep them crossed Susie, it’s working
Hold on Susie , keep those fingers and toes crossed he is Spanish a fighter to the end
Omg – cb has broken back. Forget what I just said.
Lorna and maria – doesn’t look like it’s going to happen as novak us a break up and his celebrations are getting on my nerves.
So happy for today – just see what a difference a better serve, better and good length shots, variety etc. make. Congratulations Rafa!
Let today’s play be the basis so that u can play that way again or only play better.
VAMOS!!!!
Please little Spaniard wipe that smirk off Novak’s face , like the commentator’s comments about Novak ACTS dead , spot on .